Medically Accessible Clothing

ABSTRACT

Garments configured for medical access are disclosed. An upper-body garment comprises a torso portion, a neck opening, and a pair of sleeves. The upper-body garment further comprises at least one access configured to provide access to the underlying body. The at least one access may be a chest access, an arm access, or combinations thereof. Each access is openable and closable via a resealable element. A lower-body garment comprises a waistband and a pair of legs. The lower-body garment further comprises at least one access configured to provide access to the underlying body openable and closable via a resealable element. A clothing ensemble configured for medical procedure access comprises the upper-body garment and the lower-body garment.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/789,708 filed on Jan. 8, 2019.

BACKGROUND

People with chronic medical conditions such as renal failure, cancer, hemophilia, muscular sclerosis, and the like, must often receive medical treatment on a recurring basis that requires access to parts of their bodies that are normally clothed. For example, hemodialysis, medication infusions, regular blood draws, or even regular blood pressure checks require a patient to roll up their sleeve or completely remove clothing to allow medical practitioners access to veins, arteries, or fistulas. Dialysis patients in particular commonly deal with these limited access issues when trying to provide admittance to their treatment areas.

Hemodialysis is a medical treatment that filters waste and water from blood by diverting the blood from the body to an external dialysis machine for filtering before the blood is returned to the body. A nurse or technician typically inserts a catheter into an arteriovenous fistula or graft in a patient's arm or leg to divert the blood. Other access points may include a catheter placed in the neck or upper chest. Peritoneal dialysis is a treatment where a dialysis fluid is pumped into the abdominal cavity to draw out waste from the abdominal blood vessels and then removed via a catheter in the abdomen. Most people with renal failure require multiple dialysis sessions every week, each session typically lasting several hours. Cancer patients or autoimmune disease patients similarly require frequent medication infusions, such as biologicals, steroids, or chemotherapeutic agents that require comparable anatomical access.

When the medical practitioners insert the needles, they often have to cut clothing which is expensive. Another approach is to try to push the sleeve high enough up the arm to expose the antecubital area or to remove the clothing completely. Not only is this uncomfortable and potentially embarrassing to the patient, it can result in blood getting on the patient's clothing. Patients must bring a change of clothing due to the cutting or contamination by blood which is also a medical hazard to others. Therefore, there is a continuing need for a garment or article of clothing that can allow for access to anatomical structures for medical treatment and therapies that avoids the pitfalls of normal clothing.

The present invention discloses garments and articles of clothing that allows a medical practitioner access to anatomical treatment areas such as the neck, chest, arm, abdomen, or legs. The articles of clothing are configured to allow temporary access to these regions during medical treatment without the need to cut or remove the clothing. The innovative articles of clothing eliminate the need for users to try to push or roll up their sleeves over their arms to provide access. The invention also prevents contamination of the clothing with the patient's blood during treatment.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof, comprises an upper-body garment. The upper-body garment comprises a torso portion, a neck opening, and a pair of sleeves. The torso portion comprises a chest, a back, and a pair of sides. The upper-body garment further comprises at least one access configured to provide access to an underlying portion of a wearer's body without removal or partial removal of the upper-body garment. The upper-body garment further comprises at least one resealable element for opening and closing the at least one access.

The at least one access may be a chest access in the chest of the torso portion for exposing a portion of a chest of a wearer. The at least one resealable element may be one or more chest access resealable elements for opening and closing the chest access. The at least one access may also be an arm access in either one or both of the sleeves for exposing a portion of one or both arms of the wearer. The at least one resealable element may be one or more arm resealable elements for opening and closing each arm access.

In another embodiment, a lower-body garment comprises a waistband and a pair of legs. The lower-body garment further comprises at least one access configured to provide access to an underlying portion of a body without removal of the lower-body garment. The lower-body garment further comprises at least one resealable element for opening and closing the at least one access. The at least one access may be a leg access in either one or both legs for exposing a portion of one or both legs of the wearer.

In another embodiment, a clothing ensemble configured for medical procedure access comprises an upper-body garment and a lower-body garment. The upper-body garment comprises a torso portion, a neck opening, and a pair of sleeves. The torso portion comprises a chest, a back, and a pair of sides. The upper-body garment further comprises at least one access configured to provide access to an underlying portion of a body without removal of the upper-body garment. The upper-body garment further comprises at least one resealable element for opening and closing the at least one access.

The at least one access may be a chest access in the chest of the torso portion for exposing a portion of a chest of a wearer. The at least one resealable element may be one or more chest access resealable elements for opening and closing the chest access. The at least one access may also be an arm access in either one or both of the sleeves for exposing a portion of one or both arms of the wearer. The at least one resealable element may be one or more arm resealable elements for opening and closing each arm access.

The lower-body garment comprises a waistband and a pair of legs. The lower-body garment further comprises at least one access configured to provide access to an underlying portion of a body without removal of the lower-body garment. The lower-body garment further comprises at least one resealable element for opening and closing the at least one access. The at least one access may be a leg access in either one or both legs for exposing a portion of one or both legs of the wearer.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an upper-body garment configured for medical procedure access in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 2 illustrates a close-up perspective view of the upper-body garment configured for medical procedure access in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a lower-body garment configured for medical procedure access in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an ensemble configured for medical procedure access comprising a plurality of accesses each in an open position in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the ensemble configured for medical procedure access comprising the plurality of accesses each in a closed position in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof.

The present invention discloses a solution for individuals that require frequent medical procedures or therapies necessitating access to portions of a patient's body such as dialysis treatment. The garments described herein offer patients clothing options with openings provided for access to their treatment areas, such as an arteriovenous fistula or graft in a patient's arm or leg, or a catheter placed in the patient's neck or chest. The garments are unique tops and bottoms with openable and closable accesses at these anatomical sites so that the patient does not need to remove their clothing or push up their sleeves constricting their arms. The clothing is available in a variety of sizes for men, women, and children, and may include different colors, materials, patterns, and styles. The present invention may be manufactured from any textile such as, but not limited to, cotton, polyester, fabric blends, biocompatible fabrics, antimicrobial materials, and the like.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, an upper-body garment 100 comprises a torso portion 102, a neck opening 114, and a pair of sleeves 116. The upper-body garment 100 may be a shirt, blouse, clothing top, sweatshirt, sweater, patient gown top, etc. The torso portion 102 comprises a chest 104, a back 110, and a pair of sides 112. Each of the pair of sleeves 116 extend substantially outward from the neck opening 114 and the adjacent side 112 terminating in a hand opening 122. The upper-body garment 100 further comprises at least one access in the upper-body garment 100 configured to provide access to an underlying portion of a body of an individual wearing the upper-body garment 100 as described infra. The upper-body garment 100 further comprises at least one resealable element for opening and closing the at least one access as described infra. The at least one resealable element is typically an incremental fastening structure or device such as, but not limited to, a zipper, a hook and loop fastening system, a plurality of buttons or snaps, or the like. The upper-body garment 100 is designed so that the user need not remove the upper-body garment 100 or push up one of the pair of sleeves 116 when access to an anatomical structure is required or desired.

As shown in FIG. 2, the chest 104 of the torso portion 102 comprises a chest access 106 configured to expose at least a portion of the wearer's chest. The chest access 106 may be configured as a flap, a slit, or a completely removable portion. The chest access 106 is openable and closable via at least one chest access resealable element 108. As discussed previously, the at least one chest access resealable element 108 may be a zipper, a hook and loop fastening system, or the like. As illustrated, a pair of the chest access resealable elements 108 allow the wearer, care giver, or medical provider to easily open the chest access 106 for exposure of the wearer's chest or neck for treatment. Once the treatment is complete, the pair of the chest access resealable elements 108 are re-sealed so the wearer is no longer exposed. However, this is not meant to be a limitation, as there may be a plurality of the chest access resealable elements 108 as desired.

At least one of the pair of sleeves 116 comprises an arm access 118 configured to expose at least a portion of the wearer's arm. For example, the arm access 118 may be designed to easily expose the antecubital area, forearm, or upper arm where a fistula or graft is commonly found. The arm access 118 is typically configured as an extended slit, although any other shape that exposes a body area may be used. The arm access 118 is openable and closable via an arm access resealable element 120. As discussed previously, the arm access resealable element 120 may be a zipper, a hook and loop fastening system, or the like.

Additionally, each of the pair of sleeves 116 may comprise an arm access 118 configured to expose at least a portion of the wearer's arms. Each arm access 118 is openable and closable via an arm access resealable element 120. While only one arm access 118 and associated arm access resealable element 120 is illustrated, there is no limitation on the number of each contemplated. For example, there could be an arm access and resealable element on both the upper and lower arms, proximal and distal, on both the anterior and posterior sides, etc.

In another embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 3, a lower-body garment 200 comprises a waistband 202 and a pair of legs 204. The lower-body garment 200 may be a pair of pants, bottoms, pajama bottoms, scrub bottoms, etc. The lower-body garment 200 further comprises at least one access in the lower-body garment 200 configured to provide access to an underlying portion of a body of an individual wearing the lower-body garment 200 as described infra. The lower-body garment 200 further comprises at least one resealable element for opening and closing the at least one access as described infra. The at least one resealable element is typically an incremental fastening structure or device such as, but not limited to, a zipper, a hook and loop fastening system, a plurality of buttons or snaps, or the like. The lower-body garment 200 is designed so that the user need not remove the lower-body garment 200 or push up one of the pair of legs 204 when access to an anatomical structure is required or desired.

At least one of the pair of legs 204 comprises a leg access 214 configured to expose at least a portion of the wearer's leg. While the leg access 214 as illustrated is located on a front 206 of the pair of legs 204, this is not meant as a limitation, as the leg access 214 may be located on the back or side of a leg 204 as desired. The leg access 214 is typically configured as an extended slit, although any other shape that exposes a body area may be used. The leg access 214 is openable and closable via a leg access resealable element 216. As discussed previously, the leg access resealable element 216 may be a zipper, a hook and loop fastening system, or the like.

Additionally, each of the pair of legs 204 may comprise a leg access 214 configured to expose at least a portion of the wearer's legs. Each leg access 214 is openable and closable via a leg access resealable element 216. While only one leg access 214 and associated leg access resealable element 216 is illustrated, there is no limitation on the number of each contemplated. For example, there could be a leg access and resealable element on both the upper and lower legs, proximal and distal, on both the anterior and posterior sides, etc.

In another embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, a clothing ensemble 300 configured for medical procedure or therapy access comprises an upper-body garment 310 and a lower-body garment 340. The upper-body garment 310 comprises a torso portion 312, a neck opening 324, and a pair of sleeves 326. The torso portion 312 comprises a chest 314, a back, and a pair of sides. Each of the pair of sleeves 326 extend substantially outward from the neck opening 324 and the adjacent side terminating in a hand opening 332. The lower-body garment 340 comprises a waistband (202 of FIG. 3) and a pair of legs 344 each terminating in a foot opening 352.

The clothing ensemble 300 further comprises at least one access in the clothing ensemble 300 configured to provide access to an underlying portion of a body of an individual wearing the clothing ensemble 300 as described infra. The clothing ensemble 300 further comprises at least one resealable element for opening and closing the at least one access as described infra. The at least one resealable element is typically an incremental fastening structure or device such as, but not limited to, a zipper, a hook and loop fastening system, a plurality of buttons or snaps, or the like. The clothing ensemble 300 is designed so that the user need not remove the clothing ensemble 300 when access to an anatomical structure is required or desired.

The chest 314 of the torso portion 312 comprises a chest access 316 configured to expose at least a portion of the wearer's chest. The chest access 316 may be configured as a flap or a completely removable portion. The chest access 316 is openable and closable via at least one chest access resealable element 318. As discussed previously, the at least one chest access resealable element 318 may be a zipper, a hook and loop fastening system, or the like. As illustrated, a pair of the chest access resealable elements 318 allow the wearer, care giver, or medical provider to easily open the chest access 316 for exposure of the wearer's chest or neck for treatment. Once the treatment is complete, the pair of the chest access resealable elements 318 are re-sealed so the wearer is no longer exposed. However, this is not meant to be a limitation, as there may be a plurality of the chest access resealable elements 318 as desired.

At least one of the pair of sleeves 326 comprises an arm access 328 configured to expose at least a portion of the wearer's arm. The arm access 328 is typically configured as an extended slit, although any other shape that exposes a body area may be used. The arm access 328 is openable and closable via an arm access resealable element 330. As discussed previously, the arm access resealable element 330 may be a zipper, a hook and loop fastening system, or the like.

Additionally, each of the pair of sleeves 328 may comprise an arm access 328 configured to expose at least a portion of the wearer's arms. Each arm access 328 is openable and closable via an arm access resealable element 330. While only one arm access 328 and associated arm access resealable element 330 is illustrated, there is no limitation on the number of each contemplated. For example, there could be an arm access and resealable element on both the upper and lower arms, proximal and distal, on both the anterior and posterior sides, etc.

At least one of the pair of legs 344 comprises a leg access 354 configured to expose at least a portion of the wearer's leg. While the leg access 354 as illustrated is located on a front 346 of the pair of legs 344, this is not meant as a limitation, as the leg access 354 may be located on the back or side of a leg 344 as desired. The leg access 354 is typically configured as an extended slit, although any other shape that exposes a body area may be used. The leg access 354 is openable and closable via a leg access resealable element 356. As discussed previously, the leg access resealable element 356 may be a zipper, a hook and loop fastening system, or the like.

Additionally, each of the pair of legs 344 may comprise a leg access 354 configured to expose at least a portion of the wearer's legs. Each leg access 354 is openable and closable via a leg access resealable element 356. While only one leg access 354 and associated leg access resealable element 356 is illustrated, there is no limitation on the number of each contemplated. For example, there could be a leg access and resealable element on both the upper and lower legs, proximal and distal, on both the anterior and posterior sides, etc.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An upper-body garment comprising: a torso portion comprising a chest, a back, and a pair of sides; a neck opening; a pair of sleeves each extending from the neck opening and one of the sides; and at least one access in the upper-body garment configured to provide access to an underlying portion of a body of an individual without removal of the upper-body garment.
 2. The upper-body garment of claim 1 further comprising at least one resealable element for opening and closing the at least one access.
 3. The upper-body garment of claim 2, wherein the at least one resealable element is a zipper.
 4. The upper-body garment of claim 2, wherein the at least one resealable element is a hoop and loop fastener.
 5. The upper-body garment of claim 1, wherein the upper-body garment is manufactured from an antimicrobial material.
 6. The upper-body garment of claim 1, wherein the chest comprises a chest access configured to expose a portion of a chest of the individual.
 7. The upper-body garment of claim 6, wherein the chest access comprises a plurality of chest access resealable elements for opening and closing the chest access.
 8. The upper-body garment of claim 7, wherein the plurality of chest access resealable elements are zippers.
 9. The upper-body garment of claim 1, wherein at least one of the pair of sleeves comprises an arm access configured to expose a portion of an arm of the individual.
 10. The upper-body garment of claim 9, wherein the arm access comprises an arm access resealable element for opening and closing the arm access.
 11. The upper-body garment of claim 10, wherein the arm access resealable element is a zipper.
 12. The upper-body garment of claim 10, wherein the arm access resealable element is a hook and loop fastener.
 13. The upper-body garment of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of sleeves comprises an arm access configured to expose a portion of each arm of the individual.
 14. The upper-body garment of claim 13, wherein each arm access comprises an arm access resealable element for opening and closing each arm access.
 15. A lower-body garment comprising: a waistband; a pair of legs; and at least one access in the lower-body garment configured to provide access to an underlying portion of a body of an individual without removal of the lower-body garment.
 16. The lower-body garment of claim 15 further comprising at least one resealable element for opening and closing the at least one access.
 17. The lower-body garment of claim 15, wherein at least one of the pair of legs comprises a leg access configured to expose a portion of a leg of the individual.
 18. The lower-body garment of claim 17, wherein the leg access comprises a leg access resealable element for opening and closing the leg access.
 19. The lower-body garment of claim 15, wherein each of the pair of legs comprises at least one leg access configured to expose a portion of a leg of the individual.
 20. A clothing ensemble configured for medical procedure access, comprising: an upper-body garment comprising a torso portion, a neck opening, and a pair of sleeves; a lower-body garment comprising a waistband and a pair of legs; at least one access in the ensemble configured to provide access to an underlying portion of a body of an individual without removal of the ensemble; and at least on resealable element for opening and closing the at least one access. 